Overview. This beautiful arch in Red River Gorge is a nice little hike with some scrambling required. The arch remains in pristine condition without graffiti, smoke stains, campfire remnants, or trash. As a result, GPS data is not provided (see LNT in GPS section), but please read the hiker notes regarding trail use and how to avoid accelerating trail degradation already underway.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | ~3 miles
Overall Difficulty | Class 2 Scramble

GPS Waypoints
Not Provided | Leave No Trace

HIKER NOTE - Trail Degradation. The spur that leads to this arch continues to be comprised of organic soil that is not tightly packed like more heavily used unofficial trails. As a result, it is far more sensitive to use and is easily damaged by clumsy footsteps - particularly when wet. In addition, the rhododendron and trees that stabilize the soils here have seen a good bit of damage as a result of hikers placing too much weight on them - in some cases uprooting these important soil stabilizers.

If you plan to hike this, please follow these simple guidelines to reduce the pace of trail degradation so others may enjoy this hike many years from now:

• Dry Conditions | Only hike this in dry conditions. Aside from being more dangerous when wet, the loose soils are more easily damaged when wet conditions exist. In just the last year, a soil break has formed which will have a section of trail wash downhill over time.

• Light, Balancing Handholds | Since this spur is on a steep slant, it is natural to use rhododendron and trees to improve balance. These should only be used for balance and never to support one’s full body weight. Uprooted vegetation can be seen here - meaning additional sections of trail will eventually slide away.

HIKER NOTE - Tricky Section. There is one section that provides the greatest challenge and is also where the greatest amount of soil erosion and vegetation damage appears. You’ll know it when you see it. In my experience, the best technique here is to side step down using full leg extension to reach the small flat spots ideal for footplants. Tall hikers will find this pretty easy; shorter hikers may need some assistance.

HIKER NOTE - Search and Rescue. Though this scramble can be dangerous, there is a great deal of vegetation to break your fall (and your bones). That said, a search and rescue op here would be a pain in the ass. Likely a rope rescue from the cliff above because carrying a litter out of this spot is not possible. In the event you make a mess of your hike and your body, know in advance that it could take a dozen or more hours to pull you out - plus the long ambulance ride to Clark Regional in Winchester or the chopper flight to Lexington if you’re really messed up.